NIH-funded research Career grant

Targeted radionuclide therapy to boost CAR T cells for neuroblastoma

Official title: Targeted Radionuclide Therapy to Enhance the Efficacy of CAR T Cells Against Neuroblastoma

Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11379963 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A doctor-researcher is developing a treatment that combines targeted radiation with CAR T cell therapy to improve outcomes for kids with neuroblastoma.

More Neuroblastoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$159,636
NIH project number5K08CA285941-03
Project IDNIH-11379963 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are pediatric patients with neuroblastoma or related solid tumors who may benefit from enhanced CAR T cell therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients whose tumors do not respond to CAR T cell therapy or who cannot tolerate radiopharmaceuticals may not benefit.

What this research studies

This grant supports a clinician-scientist at UW–Madison who aims to translate radiation-based strategies into CAR T cell therapy for pediatric solid tumors, especially neuroblastoma. The plan includes learning and mentorship across tumor immunology, radiochemistry, and dosimetry, with hands-on training and coursework to build a translational program. The work focuses on using low-dose targeted radionuclide therapy to make CAR T cells more effective at killing cancer cells in children. The goal is to move findings from the lab toward clinical application with proper oversight and collaboration. Training activities include seminars, conferences, and mentored research projects to advance both science and patient care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make CAR T cell therapy more effective for children with neuroblastoma.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work in combining targeted radiation with immunotherapy has shown promise, but this specific combination in pediatric neuroblastoma is still exploratory.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
    Madison, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sodji, Quaovi H — University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Study coordinator: Sodji, Quaovi H

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.